For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, 10 so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light. 13 He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. 14 In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Original Intent

1)Verse 9 says “for this reason ‘also’”. What is the “also”?Paul, the itinerant preacher who moved across Asia Minor to preach the gospel, plant churches, and then go back and encourage those churches to stay true to the gospel, had never physically visited the brothers and sisters in Colossae, at least not at the time of this writing. Paul had heard of them through another co-laborer in the early church, Epaphras, (verses 7-8) and their work to share Christ was known throughout the “entire (known) world.” (verse 6) Clearly, their love for Christ had caught fire in Colossae, and as is intended by God, was igniting others with its flame as they drew people towards knowing Jesus as Savior. The primary reason Paul and his companions prayed fervently for the church in Colossae was simply because they were fellow believers, followers of the same Jesus Christ who had rescued Paul from his own sin and transformed him with a new life. This was not a random group of people, even though they had never met or even exchanged personal details. They were brothers and sisters in Christ, and that was enough reason to come before the throne on their behalf. (verses 3-5) Adding, however, that these believers were “bearing fruit” in their own lives and simultaneously influencing the world around them (verse 6) through the same extravagant love shown them through Christ’s love, and Paul had even more reason to pray deeply and fervently. Because Paul knew what they were in the middle of, he could pray with laser intentionality. Because Paul could identify with them through his friend, Epaphras, his heart was knit to theirs and he prayed for them.

2) What does this passage teach about the “guts” of prayer?This prayer from the heart of Paul is so rich in content! A few major highlights include:1) He prayed consistently. Paul did not pray for the Colossian believers a handful of times and then check them off his prayer list. Because of his personal connection through Epaphras, he marked out time every day to pray for them. (verse 9)2) He prayed for fullness. Depth of understanding who God is as He reveals Himself through Scripture is core to following Jesus. If we do not properly understand who God is, we have created an idea of Him in our minds that doesn’t line up with Scripture. (verse 9)3) He prayed for their captivating witness. These believers had already proven to be world changers and influencers for Christ with His winsome love. Paul prayed this would not only increase, but that they would know God’s character better as a result of His work through them. (verse 10)4) He prayed for their relationship with God. As they grew closer to God, becoming steadily more intimate with His heartbeat of love, Paul knew the outcome would be their own encouragement and delight in relationship with the Lord. They would be strengthened, their hearts would be emboldened, they would be joyful, and they would grow thankful as their hearts were focused ever more intently on the freeing gospel of Jesus Christ! (verses 11-12)5) He prayed the gospel. Paul knew that everything hinges on the gospel, the freedom it brings, and the hope it points us toward. The gospel is not only for those who don’t know Jesus, it’s for every believer. We need to preach this gospel to ourselves daily, which is exactly why Paul includes it in every letter he wrote and wove it into the prayers he prayed. (verses 13-14)

3) What is absent from Paul’s prayer list and what does this reveal?

Often, what Scripture doesn’t say, is just as important as what it does say. While it’s dangerous to take this line of thinking too far (ridiculous example: the Bible doesn’t specifically say don’t gorge yourself on taco bell tacos after midnight, so it must be a healthy choice!), we can wisely look at what the Bible is silent on as long as we are simultaneously holding that conclusion up to the rest of Scripture to verify its validity. In our western church culture, we are quick to pray for safety and protection and blessing, generally intending monetary blessing and physical protection. While it isn’t wrong to pray for health, safety, and protection because the Lord does care about every aspect of our lives including physical, Paul only notes it in a specific prayer 1 time out his many, many recorded prayers. (3 John 1:2) We never once read of Paul praying monetary blessing over any one or any church. Paul’s main focus in prayer was the gospel unleashed in a believer’s life and their continued, steady spiritual growth through Scripture and the unity of biblical community.

Everyday Application

1)Verse 9 says “for this reason ‘also’”. What is the “also”?Perhaps you know what it’s like to pray for a group of people you’ve heard about. Maybe it’s another church, maybe it’s a general vicinity like “inner city”, or “unwed mothers”, or the “lost without Jesus” or “persecuted Christians”. Or maybe you were scrolling social media and saw an image of a sick child that broke your heart and you were drawn to pray for them. We want to pray for them, we do pray, but when a prayer need becomes personal, a believer’s heart yearns and aches to pray for them, interceding on their behalf. When it’s your mother, your best friend, your nephew, your child, your pastor, your neighbor….we pray deeply and fervently because our hearts love them in deeper ways. Paul prayed for the believers in Colossae just as he prayed for all the other believers scattered across the known world, but then, on the word of his brother-friend, he ached for them. He wanted to carry them along in prayer, he wanted to encourage them, he literally came alongside them through prayer, even though they’d never met face to face. Write out the names of people or groups who you pray for generally, then narrow it to those you pray for specifically because your heart has been knit to theirs. Spend time intentionally carrying them along this week in prayer, while praising God for the way He builds His Body of Church together!

2) What does this passage teach about the “guts” of prayer?Paul’s prayer for the Colossian believers provides us with an excellent gauge to assess our own prayer lives. As you read through the “guts” of Paul’s prayer above, push against any tendency to fall into guilt or shame (that’s never the voice of Christ!) or the pitfall of comparison. Instead, look for where the Lord is calling you deeper in relationship with Him. How is He equipping you to boldly stand in the gap and pray deeply, intentionally, and fervently? Look for areas to grow in as well as places you can be encouraged because your heart is already chasing after the Lord’s. And maybe? Maybe the person you first need to pray this kind of regular, consistent, wise, gospel-focused prayer over is yourself. Bring your transparent honesty before the Lord, regardless of what your personal prayer life looks like. Whether your spirit is familiar with the breathing of the Spirit as you move steadily along with His rhythm, praying as He speaks to you, or whether you feel intimidated and clumsy when it comes to prayer or how to even begin. Be encouraged that not even Paul began praying these kinds of prayers immediately; every single one of us is on a faith journey to know Jesus better and grow more intimate with Him! The important step is to take one!

3) What is absent from Paul’s prayer list and what does this reveal?Given Paul’s very intentional focus in not only this prayer, but in his other recorded prayers in Scripture, we should use the opportunity to thoughtfully (and prayer-fully!) consider the DNA fabric of our common prayers. How often are we actually praying? What are we speaking with the Savior about in those sacred moments with the Holy One? It’s easy to rush in and pray a quick “blessing” for ease or healing or financial relief or safety. Again, it’s not that these prayers are wrong, but if these themes are the major chords in our prayer life, we are missing out on the heartbeat of the Lord God. Long for the Healer more than the healing, for the Giver more than the gift, and for spiritual riches and blessing that come through studying Christ and His Word more than the temporary happiness brought about by financial ease. Begin earnestly praying for these good things and see how much the Lord will pour out Himself on you, those around you, and your local church!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?Catch up with His Heartbeat!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study andwww.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) In her Journey into the Great Awakening, Lesley noted that not everyone supported the widespread revival that brought so many into a genuine relationship with Christ. People within the church! The Lord was moving in a mighty way, yet people within His own Body were against the growing and stretching. Uncomfortable stretching isn’t exciting for anyone, and if we aren’t careful, we too can easily fall into the category of “critical and negative” when it comes to God growing us. To fight against our own heart’s natural tendency to “oppose” change and keep everything comfortable, spend some time this weekend praying about where the Holy Spirit is inviting you into new growth. Ask Him to change your heart!

2) “Just One”, Kendra wondered. Would just one soul rescued from eternity apart from Christ be worth a lifetime of persecution, hardship, and suffering? Consider it a bit differently, what if the just one was you? Blessedly, yes! Countless individuals have counted the cost of following Jesus and concluded it is indeed worth it, even for just one. If that cost is worth one rescued soul, what implications does that hold for each of us as Christ-followers? As we go through everyday life, we all need a reminder call to re-assess our focus. Does it align with following Jesus no matter what? Take this as an opportunity to ponder the Lord’s call on your life and what He might be inviting you into!

3) “The Father always preserves His light, placed on deposit in every believer”, wrote Paula. If you have said yes to Jesus, and surrendered your all to Him, His light, as the light of the world, is within you! It can feel like our everyday lives are too mediocre or monotonous to share that light, but that is an enemy’s lie! Each day, we are presented with a new set of invitations to shine the light of Jesus brightly. Pause to think back through the last 24 hours and identify ways to share the light of Christ. As you move into the weekend, ask the Holy Spirit to convict you of the moments He is providing for you to shine, then follow through with bold obedience!

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from Matthew 5:14-16 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

You are the light of the world! A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they might see your good works and glorify your father who is in Heaven.

Prayer JournalIt will always be remarkable to me, Lord, that You intentionally designed us, as flawed, sinful, prone to wandering human beings to be Your light bearers to a world dying in darkness. Father, the right now society can feel so overwhelming, and so lost, and so easily distracted by possession and popularity. Remind every believing sister praying with me now of her mission to join with other brothers and sisters to share the light brightly! Your mission is vast, but Your power, Your call, and Your equipping are mightier than we imagine! Show us more of Yourself as we surrender to You again and again.

Read His Words Before Ours!

God always preserves His lights.
He always calls faithful men and women to brandish the torch of truth and address relevant issues. He calls them to keep the gospel central while advancing His kingdom with grace and truth. As the Father of light (James 1:17, 1 John 1:5), He has protected, preserved, and guarded the light of the gospel, deposited in every believer (Matthew 5:14-16) from generation to generation.

Following World War II, the rapid advances in technology spawned a new pop culture that caught many church leaders off guard. Rather than address the burning questions of that era, many denominations diluted core doctrines like the deity of Christ and the supremacy of Scripture, attempting to be more relevant. On the other extreme, fundamental denominations railed against the evils of the day while also failing to answer questions with truth and grace.
So, the questions remained unanswered while various denominations bickered and pop culture dragged society toward godlessness and secular humanism.Culture called out for answers.
It cried out in confusion as pop culture shifted the ground beneath them at breakneck speed.

Into such an era emerged God’s glowing embers.
John Stott was an Anglican priest in London. His faithful exegeses of Scripture and his keen ability as a communicator were gifts the Lord used to help shape Christianity in the 20th century. He possessed a unique ability to disseminate complex theological issues in a relevant and understandable manner, and spoke clearly on issues like same-sex relations with truth and grace. By clearly teaching truth, he stirred the embers of faith within a generation to reach their world for Christ.

With Billy Graham and others, John Stott formed the Lausanne Covenant in 1974, which brought together Christians from 125 countries and various denominations to present a God-sized, yet workable plan for reaching the entire world with the gospel. Members confirmed the fifteen-point covenant, affirmed the confessions of the Nicene Creed, and committed themselves to the task before them. John Stott’s ability to lead and inspire others led him, Billy Graham, and others to unite Christians around the cross while spreading the gospel worldwide.

Another brilliant light was John Stott’s colleague and fellow Anglican priest, J.I. Packer, who was educated under the tutelage of giants like C.S. Lewis. Now 93, Packer is considered to be among the most important theologians of the late 20th century. He is a prolific writer, most noted for his book Knowing God. He also served as a frequent contributor and General Editor of ChristianityToday and was General Editor for the ESV Bible translation.

Dr. Packer possesses a servant’s heart, and notes that he became impactful by simply doing the task before him and leaving the results up to God. In this humble manner, he faithfully wrote copious volumes eloquently articulating and ever advancing the cross-centered and grace-centered gospel. He is also noted for his respect for the Puritans. By casting light upon the Puritans, he challenges our current generation to pursue the same spiritual depth and maturity.

Though he never sought controversy, it often found him as he stood firmly for the truth. One such controversy emerged when the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster affirmed blessing same-sex unions in 2002. Packer walked out of that meeting, later writing, that like Martin Luther, his “…conscience was captive to the word of God.”

Billy Graham is widely considered the most impactful Christian leader of the 20th century. Though many were skeptical of the lanky, young American, they were drawn by his infectious zeal.

A Billy Graham crusade is synonymous with singing “Just As I Am” during the altar call and his iconic line: “and the Bible says…”, spoken in his elegant North Carolinian accent. He was the first to make successful use of technology to reach millions during a single meeting, preach in 185 countries, behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War, and in South Korea. The genius of his ministry lies in his remarkable ability to stand upon the foundation of the Gospel, while leaning forward to find new ways to reach the world. Dr. Graham also addressed real-world problems wherever he preached, calling out racial segregation in America when it was an unpopular stance, apartheid in South Africa, and communism wherever it arose.

Although he is most widely known for his evangelistic crusades, his leadership was a catalyst for another phenomenon, the parachurch organization. Before WW2, mainline denominations with a bent toward liberalism, abandoned the pillars of orthodox Christianity like the virgin birth, the deity of Christ, the supremacy of Scripture and the resurrection. The hierarchy of these mainline denominations held sway over a confused and disgruntled people until Billy Graham introduced the parachurch organization. A parachurch organization is built on the doctrinal pillars of orthodox Christianity, and designed to “come alongside” a local church to provide support and encourage evangelism. This concept appealed to churches across denominational lines and paved the way for faith organizations like Youth for Christ, Intervarsity, Billy Graham Association, and Samaritan’s Purse.

Dr. Graham’s amazing gifts of visionary leadership and preaching ignited his generation for Christ. It is estimated he preached to 215 billion live and that 2.2 million became Christians as a result. Dr. Graham’s impact on post-war Christianity is monumental, and the influence of his ministry is credited with shaping world events like the fall of communism in the former Soviet Union, advances in the civil rights movement in America, the groundswell of the global church, and increasing attention to worldwide missions.

More recently, John Piper, has also ignited a generation with the philosophy called Christian hedonism articulated in his book Desiring God. Christian hedonism is an intentionally provocative term centered around one core idea: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”

Like J.I. Packer, John Piper is strongly influenced by C.S. Lewis, Daniel Fuller and the Puritans. He cites Christian hedonism as a mindset articulated by Jonathan Edwards.

In our post-modern age, we’re often disheartened by the shallow sensationalism of contemporary Christianity. However, just as God has preserved His glowing embers of faith and spiritual integrity throughout the centuries, so He will until His return.

As we are faithful, fearlessly standing for truth, while keeping the cross central,
He will work through us.
As we address the burning questions with grace and truth,He will use us to ignite His Church.

For His promises stand firm,
His truth marches on,
and the church will remain His catalyst for salvationuntil He comes again!

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Ignite Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!Click the above image for today’s Digging Deeper!

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly. 15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. 16 These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. 18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice 19 because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

Original Intent

1) It seems like Paul is saying his suffering is actually emboldening others to share the gospel as well. Is this true? How is it possible? (verses 12-14)Yes, it’s true! Paul’s suffering was used by the God who turns all things into platforms for His goodness and glory to be made undeniably clear. Paul was writing this letter, while imprisoned, to the church in Philippi and, understandably, wanted to assure them of the mysterious truth he had long come to know, “that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel.” (Philippians 1:12) It would be easy to run in fear on hearing Paul’s news, and he wanted the church to know the truth. He wasn’t plastering on a happy face, this wasn’t an attempt to get more people imprisoned, Paul’s purpose was to declare the power of the gospel! In his letter to Timothy, also written while in prison, Paul says about preaching the gospel, “I am bound like a criminal, but the word of God is not bound!”. (2 Timothy 2:9) Paul was imprisoned and had suffered countless persecutions for holding unswervingly to Christ alone, yet still he relentlessly clung tighter. As a result, God used even his harsh circumstances as a means to reach a new group of people, the imperial guard and those who ran in that circle of people. They knew of Paul, his imprisonment, and the gospel he preached. They witnessed how Paul willingly accepted persecution as normative for the delight of following Jesus. This is an outrageous gospel that frees people from the inside so that no fear of men can overcome them! (Matthew 10:28) Paul wanted his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to keep running the race of sharing Jesus (2 Timothy 4:7), keep being bold, and keep their eyes on eternity because the gospel is worth it, even for just one!

2) How and why would “some preach Christ out of rivalry and vain conceit”? What does Paul’s response reveal about him? (verse 15)Paul, his word, his preaching, and his public persona carried quite a bit of weight within the early church. He traveled far and wide, strengthening and encouraging and providing wisdom from the Lord wherever He went. In today’s verbiage, Paul had a huge following. Despite his floggings and many forms of persecution, he was greatly respected, honored, and beloved by many. (Acts 20:36-38) In their sinful human nature, other preachers of the gospel became jealous of Paul’s popularity, wishing for some of the same prestige. (1 Corinthians 3:3-4) They viewed Paul’s imprisonment as a roadblock for Paul’s popularity rankings and were seemingly taking advantage of the situation in order to promote themselves on the stage of the gospel. Paul responds not with words that try to edge himself over other pastors, but in pointing straight to the power of the gospel. Paul knew that whatever popularity he carried had nothing to do with himself, but only about God doing His mighty work through Paul. Perhaps much of the reason Paul was so well loved was because he understood the gospel’s going forth had nothing to do with him being especially blessed. Rather, Paul viewed himself as unworthy to carry this precious gospel, referring to himself as the “worst of all sinners”. (1 Timothy 1:15) Preaching wasn’t about Paul, it was always and only about Christ, which is why Paul was able to rejoice when his “competitors” preached the gospel while Paul was stuck in prison. Paul wanted one thing, for the gospel to be declared with all boldness, which was being done, even as Paul sat in prison.

3) How does Paul know he will be delivered from prison? (verse 19)A quick, cursory glance through these verses and it would be easy to think Paul was talking about either his “deliverance” from prison or the “salvation” or his soul, but neither of those take the whole context into consideration. Paul was speaking of those who were preaching Christ out of envy and vanity and he was transparently sharing how easy and tempting it would be for him to fall into self-focus and discouragement about his own preaching. But he is kept a safe distance from these pitfalls because of his intentional choice to rejoice and celebrate that the gospel is being preached instead of focusing on who is (or isn’t) doing the preaching. Paul was just as human as any of us and the temptation to make his ministry about himself was a real threat. If we were to slow down, take the meaning of the Greek words into account, and amplify the context of this passage, verse 19 might read like this:My heart attitude of rejoicing will lead to my vindication and clear conscience. By focusing on rejoicing that the gospel is being preached, I can keep a clear conscience before the Lord. My human tendency is to become discouraged and to fall into self-pity, focusing on my circumstances, but when I choose rejoicing, when I choose thanksgiving for the gospel’s declaration, I am kept safe in my thought-life. Even this inner, heart adjustment to stay away from self-focus is a gift given by the Spirit of Jesus as He works within my heart and is continued because you, my brothers and sisters in Jesus, keep praying for me, asking the Lord to supply and sustain me where I am weak.

Everyday Application

1) It seems like Paul is saying his suffering is actually emboldening others to share the gospel as well. Is this true? How is it possible? (verses 12-14)It goes entirely against every urge within us, doesn’t it? This counting suffering as a source of encouragement, but here we find it written by the pen of the greatest apostle that, as a direct result of his suffering, Christ was preached, brothers and sisters were encouraged to preach more boldly, and the kingdom of God expanded. The root? Yes, suffering. Transparently, I’ve long struggled with this passage, feeling as if it were a splinter against tender flesh. How could other believers, upon hearing of Paul’s imprisonment because of the gospel, not run in fear of the same result? Perhaps it felt so splintering, because I couldn’t imagine being encouraged. But then I read of brothers and sisters all around the world who preached boldly and loved those around them for the sake of the gospel even knowing they would face persecution. If their love for Jesus was worth it to them, how could I, a recipient of the same undeserved, lavish grace, hide away in fear? Was the gospel not worth it to me? Were other souls less precious than my own? Did I really value the now over the forever of eternity? With conviction from the Holy Spirit, the stories I read stirred me, encouraged me, and emboldened me to share this precious gospel like never before. While reading The Insanity of God, this passage, which I happened to be memorizing at the time, was constantly before me. The God of all power, sovereignty, and love used the evil of the world, upending it and shifting it, to become a stage for the purpose of declaring His gospel of love and freedom to even more people. Considering the brevity of my vapor-thin life, I want to be part of that kind of kingdom work. A work that lasts far beyond myself into eternity, for the sake of even just one more soul. Yes, even if it means suffering.

2) How and why would “some preach Christ out of rivalry and vain conceit”? What does Paul’s response reveal about him? (verse 15)Falling into a popularity competition is far too easy for each of us in our own various ways. Envying another’s accomplishments is probably a scenario we’ve all found ourselves in. Whether it’s about ministry success, picture perfect kids, attaining fitness goals, or accomplishing big milestone markers in life, Paul’s heart attitude is an excellent model for each of us. There is one goal for every believer, and that is Christ is preached. Whatever we are doing, our aim is to bring God glory, even if it’s as menial as eating or drinking. (1 Corinthians 10:31) Every single Christ follower has been gifted with an intentional purpose and special giftings to accomplish that mission. Whatever it is, we are to do it well, keeping our eyes on the goal of bringing God glory, not competing against other brothers or sisters. Paul says it like this in 1 Corinthians 3:5-7, “What then is Apollos? What is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” (emphasis added) Next time you are tempted to fall into jealousy or lean into a competitive spirit against a brother or sister in Jesus, step back and choose instead to celebrate with them. We are each precious and we each have a role in building God’s kingdom!

3) How does Paul know he will be delivered from prison? (verse 19)Where do you commonly find yourself straying in your private thought life? Maybe you struggle with physical lust or constant comparison or perhaps your struggle is in the negative words you choose to speak to yourself with phrases like, “You’re such an idiot. Why can’t you get it right?” Whatever your familiar weakness, Paul’s model provides a solid antidote. Choose thanksgiving; choose to rejoice over what the Lord is doing through you and others. Celebrating others’ strengths and victories clears away our tendency to focus on what we don’t have. Be transparent. Share your weaknesses and struggles with other trusted, believing sisters in Jesus and ask them to pray for you. The Holy Spirit will use their prayers to strengthen and encourage you and keep your heart and mind focused on the goodness of the Lord instead of yourself. Want to go a step farther? Be that place of safety for another sister. Be transparent with her and invite her to share vulnerably with you, then commit to praying for one another in these areas of weakness. Watch what the Lord will do through the gift of your committed prayers and your intentional choice to rejoice!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?Catch up with Just One!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study andwww.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Read His Words Before Ours!

My mama turned to me and asked me if it would all be worth it,if my story touched just one soul?

I grew up praying for missionaries in my extended family and my church. These missionaries spread around the globe from South America to Africa to Russia, and we prayed for them daily.

I wonder now as an adult….
would they still choose to leave their country,
leave their family and material possessions,
and face trials and persecution if it meant that just one soul was reconciled with God?I believe all of them would answer “Yes”.

I imagine their “yes” is sometimes said through gritted teeth,
eyes heavy with exhaustion,
and determination tightening their body from head to foot,
regardless of how they might emotionally feelAnd sometimes their yes flowed from a heart that danced victoriously.

Their “yes” didn’t come without heartbreak, heartache, or sorrow.
Neither did it come without blessings, laughter, and joy.
But their yes was worth it when
someone said their own “yes” to Jesus.

Following the example of believers like Paul, Silas, the other twelve apostles, and the many men and women who gave up their lives for the sake of the gospel, three men said yes to Jesus, giving up everything to follow wherever He led. Adoniram Judson and Samuel J Mills were two of the first missionaries sent out from the United States, while Hudson Taylor, a contemporary, was one of the most influential missionaries to China.

Adoniram Judson and Samuel J Mills were among the very first class at the very first evangelical seminary in the United States, Andover Theological Seminary in 1810. Together, they helped create the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.

Adoniram, and his young, new wife, Ann, headed to Burma. Shortly before they left, Ann wrote this to a friend:

“I feel willing and expect, if nothing in providence prevents, to spend my days in this world in heathen lands. Yes… I have about come to the determination to give up all my comforts and enjoyments here, sacrifice my affection to relatives and friends, and go where God, in His providence, shall see fit to place me. My determinations are not hasty, or formed without viewing the dangers, trials, and hardships attendant on a missionary life. (…) Now my mind is settled and composed, and is willing to leave the event with God.

While the Judsons were in Burma, Samuel Mills was forming several missionary and benevolent organizations in the United States while also carrying the gospel to Mississippi and New York City. In 1818, Samuel spent time in West Africa, locating a site for the repatriation of freed African-American slaves.On his return, Samuel died on the ship.
His life seems short by our standards, but it was rich, and the fire in his spirit for spreading the Gospel ignited the flames of countless hearts. The Lord does not count our success by years or tasks completed, but only by our willing obedience to His heart of love!

Like Paul in the Bible and countless other Christ-followers through the ages, Adoniram also spent time in prison, but persecution and suffering did not deter him from obediently pressing into the Lord’s calling on his life. He opened a girls’ school, translated the Bible and other Christian books into Burmese, and faithfully kept following Jesus in His everyday life. Ann passionately worked beside him, using her love for Jesus and writing to encourage American women to pray fervently. She specifically asked women to pray for the rescue of child brides, the end of female infanticide, and other struggles for Burmese women. The Lord used Ann’s gift of writing in one final act before He called her home: helping to release her husband from his 21 months prison sentence by writing about the horrid condition of the prison in which he was contained.

Ann & Adoniram were normal, everyday people who chose, again and again and again, to love Jesus more than the comforts of life for the sake of even just one.

After Ann’s death, Adoniram also buried his second wife and three of their precious, tiny children before marrying his third wife. Like Ann, his second wife, Sarah, willingly held open her hands and life to the Lord. She used her skills as a linguist to continue spreading the Gospel to the Burmese by translating books, hymns, and tracts as well as the New Testament. Sarah fervently worked alongside her missionary-husband, while enduring the pain of losing her children. Her heart was not withheld from sorrow, she knew suffering well, but she knew Jesus was worth it, even for the sake of just one.

Adoniram’s met his third wife, Emily, when he enlisted her writing abilities to write about the life of Sarah. Unbeknownst to him, Emily had read many stories about Ann. As a result, she too felt the call to live missionally in Burma. After they married, she joined him in what would be Adoniram’s final job before entering Heaven: completing an enlarged edition of the Burmese dictionary to ease translation of the Bible.

Just three years after Adoniram’s death, another well-known Christ-follower made his way to a foreign land with one goal: spreading the Gospel.
As a baby, Hudson’s mother, on urgings from the Holy Spirit, had prayed he would be used in China.China!

Her prayer was answered when he encountered the Holy Spirit one evening, and spent the next several years studying medicine, learning Mandarin, and growing his relationship with the Lord in preparation to move to China in 1853.
After marrying Maria Dryer, the daughter of Chinese missionaries, Hudson Taylor became incredibly ill and returned to England in 1961.His return did not dampen his fervor, no!
He spent his time translating the Bible into Chinese,
studying to become a midwife,
and recruiting more missionaries!

Adoniram Judson
Ann Judson
Sarah Judson
Emily Judson
Samuel J Mills
Hudson Taylor
Maria Dryer
Seven individuals who chose the “just one” over their own comfort.
Seven individuals who counted the cost of following Jesus, and said yes.Seven individuals who changed the world for countless souls.

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Ignite Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

The Questions

On that day you will say:
“I will give thanks to you, Lord,
although you were angry with me.
Your anger has turned away,
and you have comforted me.
2 Indeed, God is my salvation;
I will trust him and not be afraid,
for the Lord, the Lord himself,
is my strength and my song.
He has become my salvation.”
3 You will joyfully draw water
from the springs of salvation,
4 and on that day you will say:
“Give thanks to the Lord; proclaim his name!
Make his works known among the peoples.
Declare that his name is exalted.
5 Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things.
Let this be known throughout the earth.
6 Cry out and sing, citizen of Zion,
for the Holy One of Israel is among you
in his greatness.”

Original Intent

1) How is this hymn divided up and how can its structure influence my own declaration of praise?It is quite common for hymns, prophesies, and other passages of Scripture to have an intentional rhythmic structure. Knowing what marks to look for help us slow down and take apart Scripture piece by piece in order to better understand it. Particularly, repeated phrases or calls to action are big flags to take note of and study in parallel. Here, on the heals of a prophesy declaring destruction as a consequence for sin followed by the promise of healing, redemption, and restoration, Isaiah calls the nation to a coming day (verse 1) when they will sing praise to the Lord. Each section of the praise hymn begins with the phrase, “On that day you will say”. This is a clear call to action that Isaiah repeats for emphasis, and between the 2 “verses” of the song, a pivotal chorus stands out as both anchor and hinge-point. Go ahead and look at the passage for yourself and see if you can find the “verses” and “chorus” of the song!

2) What is the source of this outpouring of praise?The anchor of the hymn is found sandwiched between the 2 stanzas of the praise song in verse 3 with the intention of drawing attention to the reason the people are singing. Their reason? The joyful salvation of the Rescuing Savior! He allowed them to see how their sin separated them from the Lord, and then provided the healing by saving them Himself. If you go back into chapter 11 before this passage, you’ll read of the “root of Jesse” (Isaiah 11:1) on whom the Holy Spirit rests (Isaiah 11:2-3), by whom justice is delivered (Isaiah 11:4), whose character is both righteous and faithful (Isaiah 11:5), and by whom such peace will prevail that the lion will lay down with the lamb (Isaiah 11:6). This prophecy speaks of only One with such greatness, the Lord Jesus Christ, fully God, fully man, to come one day as a Mighty Rescuer for mankind by laying down His life for sinners like you and I. The salvation that would one day be provided by Jesus, the coming “root of Jesse” through King David, is the anchoring source of the hymn of praise in Isaiah 12.

3) What are the main goals of this hymn?The overarching thrust of the hymn is to bring praise to the Lord. Praise for His mercy in showing Israel her sin that she might repent. Praise for His gracious forgiveness as He drew her near and forgave. Praise for His salvation that eternally provides deep-seated joy, peace, and comfort that surpass all understanding. Praise for His comfort and constant supply of strength through His presence. The Lord alone deserves such praise and the goal of the hymn is to declare exactly this! As we pay particular attention to verses 4-6, we find the singers declaring this praise not only to the Lord, but to the nations. This song glorifies God, but it does it through the telling of their own salvation to all around them. “Make His work known among the peoples!” (verse 4) “Let this be known throughout the earth!” (verse 5)“Cry out and sing, Zion!”. (verse 6) The song that brings the most glory to God is the story of transformative salvation!

Everyday Application

1) How is this hymn divided up and how can its structure influence my own declaration of praise?The first section of the song, in verses 1-2, focuses on the personal nature of their story. The Lord had brought punishment because of their sin, He had opened their eyes to see how they had walked away from Him, but He did not leave them there. The people praise the Lord because His discipline brought repentance and now He has drawn near, bringing comfort, strength, and peace without fear.
The second section, found in verses 4-6, focuses on telling that story of redemption and restoration to the ends of the earth. They praise God for His character, His mighty rescue, and the dwelling of the Lord with them.
The anchoring chorus in verse 3 sings of the pure joy found in the salvation of the Lord, which feeds the praise in both the beginning and end sections of the song.
When we praise the Lord and declare His goodness by sharing our faith stories with others, we can use this same model. Our goal should be to first and foremost, bring the Lord praise for Who He is and what He has done, but our secondary goal should be to draw others in that they too can see how good the Lord is!

2) What is the source of this outpouring of praise?The “one day” Isaiah prophesied about where all would come and praise the Lord for His rescuing salvation did indeed finally come on the day Jesus laid down His life as an atoning sacrifice on our behalf. We, separated from a right relationship with the Lord because of our sin, were drawn near through the loving redemption of the cross where Christ took our punishment of death upon Himself, giving us His life as He once and for all swallowed up Death with His Life! This is the anchor of every believer’s story and song; it is the hinge-point of our faith, and the source of our joy because we who once were lost have now been found. Once we were dead in our sin, hopeless and alone, (Ephesians 2:1) but now we are alive and made free (Ephesians 2:5) as we are hidden in the eternal life of Christ! (Colossians 3:3) This prophesy from Isaiah gives us reason to sing today because of our Rescuer’s death and resurrection hundreds of years ago, but it also points even farther ahead to another “one day”. One day, Jesus will return and every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord. (Philippians 2:10-11) One day His return will signal the perfect union between the Lord God and His Bride, the Church, which includes every believer. For the Christ follower, regardless of circumstances, these two anchors of past salvation and coming redemption, will always give us reason to sing!

3) What are the main goals of this hymn?Sister across the screen from me, I don’t know your day-to-day. I can’t count your losses, see your tears, or feel the aching heaviness you carry, but I do know I can relate. Days of delight or days of weariness or days of pain so intense it consumes us…I haven’t walked in every shoe, but I’ve walked these days in mine. Regardless of the scene playing out around me, I have always found one constant…. the saving redemption of the Lord Jesus Christ. Always. Never changing. The Lord who never leaves, who never casts me off, who never mocks or shames, and who has rescued me from an eternity stuck and separated from Him because of my sin is worthy of all my praise. So sing, I will. Through tears, through heartache, through loss, or in joy, I will declare the goodness of my Lord. Because singing this song is anchored in a truth that will never change. He Is Worthy! Sing it out, girl, sing it out!

What do YOU think?! Share Here!Missing the connection to our other Journey Study?Catch up with Lives Ablaze!

Digging Deeper is for Everyone!

1) Take this passage (or any other passage).2) Read it, and the verses around it,
several times3) Write down your questions
as you think of them.4) Ask specific culture related questions and be ready to dig around for your answers. Google them, use www.studylight.org, or look them up in a study Bible and read the footnotes (click on the little letters next to a word and it will show you
other related verses!). (www.esvbible.org)5) Check your applications with other trusted Christians that you are in community with and embrace the fullness of God
in your everyday!

Study Tools

We love getting help while we study andwww.studylight.org is one of many excellent resources, providing the original Hebrew (Old Testament) or Greek (New Testament) with an English translation.

Want to know more about a specific word in a verse? Click on “Strong’s Interlinear Bible” then click the word you’d like to study. Discover “origin”, “definition” and hear the original pronunciation – That Is Awesome!

Want more background? Click “Study Tools”, then pick a few commentaries to read their scholarly approach, keeping in mind that just because a commentary says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. (just like the internet :-))

Memorize It!

Download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!
Tap and hold on your mobile device to save.

Read His Words Before Ours!

“Indeed, God is my salvation;I will trust him and not be afraid,for the Lord, the Lord himself,is my strength and my song.He has become my salvation.”(Isaiah 12:2)

As I listened to these words pouring from the mouth of a 16-year-old boy, I could only marvel at the transformation that had taken place.

He was participating in a training camp for young people who were going to be junior leaders at summer camps. For the past few days, he had been lively and confident, joining in with all the tasks, but that morning it had been obvious something was wrong. He had been silent and sullen, brushing away any attempts to discover what was bothering him. Then he had disappeared…

He was gone for over an hour but, just as we were beginning to worry, he returned, grinning from ear to ear, insisting I listen to this chapter from Isaiah because it described exactly what had just happened for him!

It turned out that although he had known about Jesus all his life, he had never really responded, putting his faith in Jesus. That morning he had been challenged and, as he took some time to walk and talk with God, he had finally taken that step, and it had changed everything. Something had awakened within him and where there had been knowledge, there was now passion and a genuine, living faith.

It was amazing to witness this transformation in just one individual; I can only imagine what it would be like to see thousands dramatically changed, but, during the Great Awakening that’s exactly what happened.

It was one of the most significant events in 18th century church history; a series of revivals across Britain and North America during the 1730s and 40s. It came at a time of growing discontent among many in the church about compromise and a relaxing of standards, and there was an increasing desire for revival.

But when it came it was not a work of man, but of God.
As Jesus put it:“The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound,
but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going.
So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”(John 3:8)

Jonathan Edwards, a minister in Northampton, Massachusetts, was one of the key people God used. Troubled by his perception that people were too concerned with worldly matters and that some were looking to good works for salvation instead of God’s grace, he began preaching a message of salvation by faith alone. (like Martin Luther 200 years prior) Edwards preached with passion and energy and saw many converted to faith in Jesus.

Meanwhile, in the UK, a group known as the Holy Club was meeting at Oxford University. John and Charles Wesley, and George Whitefield were key figures in this group, which focused on spiritual disciplines such as prayer and Bible study, as well as serving those in need. It was only after genuine conversion experiences they were transformed and went on to become key figures in the revivals.

Wesley’s conversion experience came in 1738. After returning from a failed mission trip to Georgia, he encountered some Moravians, who challenged his ideas about faith and caused him to feel there was something missing. His description of the experience that followed has become well-known:

“In the evening, I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death. ” (Journal of John Wesley)

Following his conversion, Wesley’s preaching took on new life. He travelled as an itinerant preacher and set up groups to help his followers grow in their faith. This movement eventually gave birth to the Methodist denomination.

George Whitefield also became an influential preacher, both in Britain and America. Known for his ability to draw a crowd, he often preached outdoors as there was no building big enough for all those who gathered to listen. He often included slaves and Native Americans as he preached, which was rare at the time, giving the message that Christianity was for everyone, regardless of race or status.

The impact of the Great Awakening was widespread and long-lasting. Thousands came to faith in Jesus and, despite some opposition from traditionalists who opposed the revival, there was also a new unity between Christians of different denominations, with a common evangelical identity based on the Gospel and a willingness to work together to further God’s Kingdom.

But it all began with individual people.
As they encountered God, something was ignited within them, which in turn ignited the world around them. They had come to see and truly understand, as the boy at my training camp did many years later, that it was not enough just to have knowledge about Jesus. They needed to put their faith in Him and allow Him to transform them from within.

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Ignite Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

The GT Weekend!

At Gracefully Truthful, weekends aren’t for “checking out”.
Use this time to invite the Almighty’s fullness into you life in a deeper way!
Saturdays and Sundays are a chance to
reflect, rest, and re-center our lives onto Christ.
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with other women in prayer,
rest your soul in reflective journaling,
and spend time worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!

Worship Through Journaling

Worship Through Journaling

1) The Christian beliefs that have shaped the Church today are first and foremost anchored heavily in Scripture, but they were also bravely fought for by brothers and sisters down through the ages who loved the Savior, honored God’s Word supremely, and therefore, refused to give ground to lies over truth. When we believe a lie, it changes the landscape of our lives. Perhaps imperceptibly at first, but over time, the lies we believe grow, quickly taking ground in our hearts. Where are you and I believing lies over truth? There is only one way to know: search the truths of Scripture and pray for the Spirit to convict your heart as you seek His. Do this with me, Sister!

2) As you read through Paula’s Journey from Wednesday, you may notice that many of the “new ideas” brought about by the brave believers in the Middle Ages are commonplace to us in our everyday. We can thank the steadfast Christ-followers of this era for holding so tight and fast to Scripture, believing the message of God to be for more than rituals and mindless Latin expressions. The Spirit of God prompted them to push the envelope on what was common in “religion”, what was “the way we do it” in church life, and we still feel the rippling effects of what the Lord did through them. What would it look like for you to re-evaluate your regular, everyday faith journey and even how you view church, and held it up to the Scriptures? Where is God inviting you to carry His torch of truth?

3)Luther boldly nailed a document to the door of his local church body because he cared more about following Jesus and holding tight to the truth of Scripture than he did his own comfort or popularity. What if we all, as Christ-followers, truly loved the Church as a whole and each of our brothers and sisters in Jesus with that kind of love? A love that called out truth, but did it with grace. Who do you know who needs you to come alongside, offering truth and grace? Where do you need it? Write “truth and grace” in a place you will see it often this weekend as a reminder of how desperately we all need them both, then commit to living it!

Praying Scripture back to the One who wrote it in the first place is a great way to jump start our prayer-life! Pray this passage from 1 John 1:6-7 back to the Lord and
let His Spirit speak to you through it!

If we say we have fellowship with Him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Prayer JournalSpirit! How deeply I need Your conviction! How often I need Your reminder to cling to truth and apply Your teaching in my everyday life! Convict my oft’ wandering heart of my sin, let me see it plainly. Fill my heart so abundantly with Your overwhelming love for others that I literally ache with pain to see another walking in darkness.
Give me boldness, like all those brothers and sisters who have gone before me, to love with grace and truth. Here in the precious place where Your blood covers our sin, Jesus, is sweet unity with one another and You. Lead Your Bride here, Abba Father! Bind us together in Your strong Name!

Read His Words Before Ours!

The Protestant Reformation was a movement toward Western Christianity in the 16th century. Many credit the Reformation to a document called the 95 Theses written by Martin Luther in 1517, even though there were several years separating the two events. Luther, under the Holy Spirit’s conviction through Scripture, could not abide the incongruences growing between what he knew to be true in Scripture and what he saw happening the Roman Catholic Church. Hence, the 95 Theses was birthed by a man who anchored himself firmly on the absolute truth of Scripture. He called out unbiblical practices in the Catholic Church such as selling indulgences for the purpose of absolving sin. The questions Martin Luther raised snowballed when others also questioned Catholic practices for themselves. As a result, Church as we know it today began growing like wildfire as the living and active Word of God was unleashed!

Martin Luther, born in 1483 in Germany, became not only a professor of theology, but also a monk, composer, and priest. In 1507, he was ordained into priesthood.

During his first 10 years as a priest he began questioning several Catholic teachings and practices the more he read and studied what Scripture taught.

The two main beliefs anchoring Luther’s Theses were first, the absolute authority of the Bible and second, salvation is a gift of grace with not a hint of human works attached.
Both were hot spots for Luther, but they were commonly accepted in the Catholic church.

Luther was first and foremost, a passionate follower of Jesus. As with every person who sincerely crosses the line of faith and surrenders to Christ as their Savior from sin, the more deeply you follow Jesus, the more precious His Word becomes.
This was the case for Luther. He did not set out to change the world, but the Lord used him to fuel a fire the Holy Spirit Himself had ignited through conviction and the living, active Word of God!

Because Martin loved the Lord, he loved the Church as well, seeing her as the Bride of Christ. This love fueled his adamant, biblical stance against the Church promoting and practicing falsehood. Bound by his love for the Lord, Luther would not, could not remain silent.

Some (like me!) might picture Luther, full of fiercity, storming up to the church, nailing his famous Theses in an angry way. Perhaps you see a societal giant, angrily accusing the church of sin, attacking the Catholic church while inciting others to follow him as he formed a new church. But after researching more about the Protestant Reformation and Martin Luther, I see a different story.

Martin Luther was a man calling out sin in his local church body. His intent was not personal attacks, hot-headed anger, or breaking away for the purpose of doing church his way. Luther was a man of love. Love for the Savior, the Scriptures, and the Church. In fact, he loved her enough to ache longingly for her to be whole, healthy, and a stronger body, built solidly on the foundation of truth.

The 95 Theses is written in a questioning style not littered with accusation, but instead questioned from a scholarly perspective.
I see a man trying to live out the passage in Ephesians 4:11-16,“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

Have you ever been in a church, or with a group of fellow believers, and notice them doing something either sinful or not glorifying to God?

What was your response?

Like me, many people stay silent when witnessing sinful practices within the Body of Christ. I have been there many times and, instead of having a loving conversation with my brothers or sisters, I shy away.

Why do I shy away?
Transparently, because I’m think of Matthew 7:3-5:“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye,
but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?

I then get reflective and ask myself if I want my brothers or sisters to call out my sin.
My immediate response is, “Heck no, I want people to think I’m perfect or near perfect at least. I’ll call my own stuff out when I’m ready.”This is sin.

Ladies, Satan knows Scripture and he knows how to twist it!
These words from Jesus are meant to bring unity within the Body, weeding out arrogant hearts who think our way is best. This was not Luther’s intent as he penned and posted his theses!

As believers, it should be our desire to foster safe relationships within the Body where we lovingly call out sin in one another so that we can grow together and be built up. (1 Peter 2:4-6)

I know I’ve grown during difficult moments of hearing the truth about my actions,this was Luther’s heart for the church!

Sisters, let’s challenge each other to live in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ, to call out sin with truth and grace, to love Jesus foremost, and hold high the supreme truth of Scripture in our everyday lives!

Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Ignite Week Two! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!Click the above image for today’s Digging Deeper!